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Cresswell: It’s a fresh start and we all have a chance to impress Pellegrini

Aaron Cresswell says every West Ham United player will make ‘a fresh start’ under Manuel Pellegrini.

The new manager has told the squad they will be given opportunities to impress in pre-season and Cresswell says the ball is now in the players’ court if they want to nail down a place in Pellegrini’s starting XI.

The first opportunity in a match situation will come against Swiss Challenge League club FC Winterthur, who the Hammers tackle in their opening warm-up match on Sunday afternoon.

He has worked at Real Madrid, Manchester City and some other big clubs, so the career he has had is unbelievable

Aaron Cresswell

“Whether you’re 16 or 38, it’s a fresh start for everyone and I’m sure everyone will look to impress the manager,” said the left-back, who explained that the Chilean’s own career achievements show he knows exactly how to get the best out of the squad at his disposal.

Pellegrini, of course, led Villarreal and Malaga to the UEFA Champions League knockout stages, managed Real Madrid and guided Manchester City to the Premier League title in 2014.

“Obviously the CV and career he has had speak for themselves,” Cresswell observed. “He’s a fantastic manager and has worked with some big players.

“We’ve only had a few days with each other but I’m sure we’ll see a lot of each other here in Switzerland.

“There have been a lot of changes at the Club over the summer, as he’s brought five or six people with him, so it’ll be good to get to know each other.”